by Yve Goodwin

Created on: June 09, 2010

Women are more fortunate than men in a many ways. They can use make-up to camouflage common flaws and highlight specific areas. Jewellery is another element that can be used very effectively to highlight or de-emphasize facial features.

Wearing geometric shaped earrings that frame the cheek-line, and sweep upward can draw attention to great cheekbones.  Camouflaging a not so supple neck with a high pearl collar can accentuate its' long length and, graceful flow; while subtly framing the face. To draw attention away from the face and emphasize a small waist, try wearing a pearl rope necklace; this classic piece was a favourite of Coco Channel.  Even today a rope necklace still exudes graceful femininity, and pure elegance.

These are just a few examples of how jewellery can be used to emphasize or downplay specific areas of the body. Take a closer look at your facial features and body shape. Try to determine your best features that you'd like to emphasize, and those that you'd like to downplay. Now try to imagine what types of styles and shapes of jewellery that are appropriate for you.

*There are five basic face shapes:

Heart

This shape has a wide forehead and cheeks that taper to a narrow chin.

Round

The distance between the top and bottom is equal to the distance between the cheeks with full, round features and very few (or no) angles.

Square

The distance between the top and bottom is equal to the distance between the cheeks, with a square, angular jaw-line.

Oval

This shape is considered to be the "perfect face shape" with proportionate features.

The forehead flows into high cheekbones, and tapers to a softly rounded chin.

Rectangular

The distance between the top and bottom area are greater than the distance between the sides, with a square, angular jaw-line.

*These are considered to be the most common face shapes.

The following four face shapes are less common:

Diamond

A narrow forehead and temple area, that widens in the cheek area and tapers to a narrow chin.

Oblong

A long oval shaped face with overall narrow features, with cheekbones pointing straight down.

Up-Base Triangle

The upper 1/3 of the face is wider than the bottom 1/3, tapering to a narrow jaw-line.

Down-Base Triangle

The upper 1/3 of the face is narrower than the bottom 1/3, widening to a heavy jaw-line.

Your face is designed with unique combinations of curvilinear shapes and angles. Some faces may only have one style that's dominant, while others may have a combination of both curved and angular features. Either way your face is unique to you.  For you to look your personal best, it's important for you to understand how to use accessories to highlight your best features, and de-emphasize your less desirable ones. Learning more about your basic facial shape, and how to compliment it is the best way to do this.

Learn more about this author, Yve Goodwin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.